Are YOU Compassionate, Kind and Forgiving?

A newspaper delivery woman in Washington state may have saved a carrier for a rival paper from burning to death in his van.

Jackie Mincey helped Florentino Martinez, who lost a leg to diabetes, get out of the van Saturday morning, the Yakima Herald-Republic reported. Mincey was also the one who spotted flames coming from under Martinez's van.

"She saved my life," Martinez said.

Martinez's troubles began when he got stuck in the snow while delivering the Herald-Republic to a house in Prosser. Mincey, delivering the Tri-City Herald to the same house, helped push him free twice.

As Martinez tried to drive off the property, Mincey saw the flames. She tried to use snow to douse the fire and then helped Martinez get out with his walker. Martinez said Mincey stayed with him until the firefighters and his wife got to the house. We should always love our enemies. -UPI, January 24, 2012

Every follower of Jesus must be impressed with the basic attitudes and feelings toward others which He taught and exemplified. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus emphasized and illustrated His desire to change people's attitudes to conform to those which He possessed. Those attitudes not only affect one's relationship with Jesus but also relationships with others.

One cannot, in reality, be a Christian without the proper attitudes and conduct toward others (Matthew 22:34-39). A fundamental portrayal of the attitudes which are needed is seen in Colossians 3:1-15.

The "new man" of Colossians 3 is to be continually developed after the likeness of the Lord. Three of the outstanding qualities and desirable attitudes presented in this passage and exemplified by the Lord are compassion, kindness and forgiveness.

First, let's discuss compassion. Compassion reflects the deepest of human feelings. Take the example of Jesus, for instance. He was moved with compassion on the multitudes (Matthew 9:36; 14:14). Jesus is touched by, feels compassion for and is able to sympathize with our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).

Children of God need to have deep compassion for each other (1 Peter 3:8): in physical and material circumstances, in spiritual weaknesses (Galatians 6:1-2; Romans 15:1), and in stressful situations in the congregation.

Some, who claim to be Christians, tend to be "hard-nosed," uncaring and unfeeling. A lack of compassion shows that the person is really not converted. Consider "love" as it is presented in 1 Corinthians 13:7. Love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Next on our list, is kindness. A Christian is a kind person who constantly manifests a "kindly spirit." Kindness is enjoined, or demanded on the Christian (Ephesians 4:32). It is a part of the "love" that should characterize the Christian (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Kindness is also part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As part of the "new man" in Christ, the Christian is to put on kindness (Colossians 3:12). Kindness is to be added to faith (2 Peter 1:7).

This quality (kindness) is needed in business meetings when there is a difference of opinion. It is needed in Bible classes when there is a difference of understanding. It is needed in preaching, where one cannot allow unkind, bitter remarks and feelings to take over his message.

Kindness is needed in personal comments such as face-to-face conversation, and when talking about another person (including such things as gossip)! And last, but not least, kindness is needed in order to be a person of goodwill and love.

Finally, there is forgiveness. This attitude is a must for every Christian (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:12). The attitude of forgiveness is plainly manifested by those we should emulate, such as:

a) Jesus (Luke 23:34)
b) Stephen (Acts 7:60)
c) Paul (2 Timothy 4:16)

The attitude of being willing to forgive others, even enemies, is closely related to the spiritual love taught and demonstrated by Jesus (cf. Matthew 5:43-48). It stands in contrast to grudges, "chips-on-the-shoulder," hatred, bitterness, revenge and other sinful attitudes. A forgiving spirit will prevent these wrong feelings from developing.

This forgiving spirit should be the result of an appreciation for the forgiveness of sins which the Christian enjoys through the sacrifice of Jesus (Colossians 3:13). Many who claim to be Christians are unforgiving because they have a selfish, inward view of life. They feel sorry for themselves most of the time. They tend to feed on hurt feelings and criticism of other people. If one is going to be like Jesus, he must develop a forgiving spirit!

In closing, do you feel compassion? Are you kind? Do you have a forgiving spirit? If the answer is "no," I don't know whose name you should be wearing but it is not the name of Jesus Christ! Those who are truly Christians, those who are following the teachings and example of Jesus, are compassionate, kind and forgiving persons.

Let's pray:

Father, ignite within us the fire of Your Holy Spirit to be convicted of sin, comforted in our hour of trial, and zealous in our Christian service. We want to warm our hearts with the fire of Your Holy Spirit that is uplifting and filled with eternal hope, rather than the enemy’s fire that spreads destruction and ruin to all who are in its path. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

God bless you,

Giselle